Rent Hail the Conquering Hero (1944)

Political Satire. - Hail the Conquering Hero review by Steve

Frenzied political satire with social themes unusual for Hollywood during WWII. The film questions the uninhibited patriotism which engulfed America, and it empathised with the guilt of those who were unable to serve. And rather provocatively hinted that returning soldiers would expect a new politics.

Preston Sturges combined the cynicism of Billy Wilder with the sentimentality of Frank Capra, his great comedy contemporaries. But his humour is  less subtle. This is his darkest film. A patriotic kid (Eddie Bracken) is refused entry into the Marines with hayfever and feels too ashamed to go home. He is taken in by a group of genuine Marines on leave who march him home to mom.

But once back in small town America, the people adopt him as a much needed hero. Soon he is running for mayor. Ironically, many of the male Hollywood stars were away in action, so this film is led by the rather lightweight Bracken when really it needed James Stewart. Ella Raines is attractive and sympathetic but not as formidable in farce as film noir.

As is typical with Sturges, the cast is led by its eccentric support ensemble. William Demarest has a larger role than usual as a tough but interfering Sergeant. The film has real momentum considering it reflects on the state of the nation in such depth. But for all the wisecracks and insane plot twists, it's a bit short on laughs.